Found black mold in villa, DIY removal or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past few weeks and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled out the sofa in our Khalifa City villa to find a huge patch of black mold spreading across the wall behind it, probably from a slow leak we never noticed. The room has a constant damp, earthy smell that’s giving me headaches. What’s the safest and most effective way to handle this mold removal ourselves, or should we call a professional company here in Abu Dhabi right away?
Posted by Zainab Al-Ahmad
Asked on May 5, 2026 8:25 am
Stop all DIY plans immediately. With children coughing and a large hidden patch of black mold, this is a professional remediation scenario. The constant damp smell indicates active growth, and disturbing it without proper containment will aerosolize spores throughout your home, likely worsening your family's symptoms.

In Abu Dhabi's climate, the underlying moisture source must be identified and fixed first; simply wiping the wall is futile as the mold will return. A slow leak requires a moisture meter to locate the exact penetration point behind the wall. Professionals use engineering controls—negative air pressure enclosures, HEPA air scrubbers, and industrial dehumidifiers—to prevent cross-contamination during removal. All affected porous materials like drywall and insulation must be removed and disposed of securely.

For health safety, especially with infants or those with respiratory conditions, lab identification of the mold species is advised to understand the risk level. After remediation, a clearance test is the only way to verify the spore count in the room has returned to a normal background level.

Given the symptoms and scale you describe, contacting a certified mold remediation provider for an assessment is the safest course. Look for companies that provide detailed scopes of work, use accredited third-party labs for testing, and can explain their containment and removal protocols clearly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 6:43 am